Editorial:
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Balochistan Education Department and the World Food Programme (WFP) marks a significant step towards addressing critical issues of malnutrition and low school enrolment in Balochistan.
Under this two-year initiative, 20,000 students in 65 schools will benefit from 5 million nutritious meals, aiming to combat nutritional deficiencies, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes.
Balochistan, despite being resource-rich, faces severe developmental challenges. Malnutrition, stunting, and anemia, particularly among women and children, are widespread.
Hidden hunger—a condition where essential nutrients are lacking—contributes to high child mortality rates. Poverty and unemployment exacerbate these issues, leaving millions of children vulnerable.
Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani emphasized the transformative potential of this program in boosting enrolment and improving student health.
However, with over 3 million out-of-school children and 1 million enrolled in schools across the province, this initiative must be expanded.
Global organizations like the WFP should extend their support beyond the initial 20,000 students to reach marginalized neighborhoods and backward districts.
Providing free meals to all school-going children could significantly improve enrolment, retention, and overall well-being.
This program not only addresses nutrition but also promotes education as a tool for empowerment in Balochistan. Scaling up such initiatives is essential to secure a healthier, more educated future for the province’s children.
